Washington Allston 1863

This print of Washington Allston by Alonzo Chappel was made in the mid-19th century in the United States. It shows the artist in his studio, surrounded by the tools of his trade: canvas, palette and classical bust. Prints like this one played an important role in shaping the image of artists in the nineteenth century. Allston is shown as a refined and intellectual figure. This image speaks to the growing professionalization of art, and the desire of artists to be seen as more than just craftspeople. But how does this image relate to the art market? Prints such as this were often sold to a middle-class audience eager to consume culture and connect with the artists they admired. We might look at newspapers, journals, and exhibition catalogues from the period to understand how Allston and his work were perceived. By investigating the institutional history of art, we can better understand its role in society.